Luxembourg’s in fine form ahead of Derby

ANTE-POST Epsom Derby favourite Luxembourg was given a clean bill of health by Aidan O’Brien yesterday after his fine effort in the 2000 Guineas. The Camelot colt was unbeaten as a juvenile and, while he had to settle for third on Saturday, the general view was he had only enhanced his claims for the premier Classic. At the Curragh yesterday, O’Brien said: ‘The two colts (from the 2000 Guineas) cantered this morning and seem fine. ‘Luxembourg just clipped heels after going 50 yards and he did well to finish where he did. I think he will go straight to Epsom, that was always the plan.’ Layfayette came from last to first to bring up a hat-trick in the Coolmore Sottsass Irish EBF Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh for Noel Meade, while Joseph O’Brien’s Buckaroo booked a potential Irish 2,000 Guineas challenge with a stylish win in the Coolmore EBF Tetrarch Stakes.